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The new classes include “Scalable Game Design” where students will learn how to create a two-dimensional video game using software called Agent Sheets. The students enrolled in this course will be part of a research project being conducted by the University of Colorado and the National Science Foundation on the use of a new approach to computer technology called computational thinking.

Another new class, “Robotics” will teach middle and upper school students engineering and programming as part of with hands on building of robots. Students will work robots such as the Lego Mindstorm Robotic kits.

The third new computer class “Introduction to Computer Programming” will teach students how to write programs in the Agent Sheets software and then teach the Python coding language.

The private school offered an online-based 20-hour course called introduction to computer science to middle schoolers this past year.

Robotics, game design and computer science have become a popular draw at public schools in the county for the last several years. Odyssey Middle School in suburban Boynton Beach, as well as several other schools like H.L. Watkins Middle School, have robotics magnet academies. Several high schools including West Boca High and Boca High School have information technology academies and Palm Beach Central High has a web and digital design academy.

Odyssey Middle as well as West Boca High, John I. Leonard, Suncoast, Forest Hill high schools all have video game design classes as part of their academies as well, said School District Choice and Career Options Director Pete Licata. He said several other middle school principals at district-run schools have expressed interest in having video game creation academies as well.